Christians and Politics

Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at him. (Mark 12:17 KJV)

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (Romans 13:1 NLT)

Should Christians be involved in politics? Jesus Christ and the apostles did not speak about the political issues of their day. They told their followers to obey the government of the day. Does it mean that Christians cannot be involved in politics?

Definitely not! Christians are the light of the world and salt of the earth. It is the job of the Christians to apply the Word to the world and to speak up against the injustices of the world. Look at Christian activist such as William Wilberforce who fought against slavery in Great Britain. If not for Christians like him, we may still have slavery today.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:13-14 KJV)

But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29 ESV)

Then why did the apostles not lead a crusade against slavery?

For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave - as a dearly loved brother. (Philemon 1:15-16a CSB)

We have to remember that the apostles were laying the foundation of the church. They had the task of writing the New Testament.

Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20 BSB)